Sam Daniel led WaterlooHigh School in scoring all 4 years in basketball from 1958-1961. He averaged 17 points per game as a junior and over 21 points per game as a senior. He was an All­County, All-District performer as well as Honorable Mention and All-State. He also lettered in baseball and played on the North Alabama All Star Team. Waterloo finished 24-8 his senior year and Daniel made over 75% of his free throws attempts. He also lettered in track and football as a freshman at East Peoria High School, Illinois before moving back to Waterloo.